Simultaneously increased expression of microRNA-155 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) gene in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Aim: The microRNA-155 (miR-155) is regarded as a central modulator of T-cell responses and could be a potential therapeutic target for certain inflammatory diseases. In our present study we analyzed the expression rate of miR-155 and its functionally linked gene, the suppressor gene of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

Method: We enrolled 23 pSS patients and 10 healthy individuals in the study. The expression of miR-155 and SOCS1 gene were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: We observed the over-expression of miR-155 in the peripheral mononuclear cells of patients with pSS. Surprisingly, SOCS1 gene was also over-expressed in pSS patients.

Conclusion: This unanticipated phenomenon might be a laboratory characteristic of Sjögren's syndrome, and presumably a consequence of the noteworthy difference in the pSS immune system reacting with Epstein-Barr virus.